Tourists may soon be flocking to a new concept at a not so new gated community. It’s called the Sandy Port Old Towne development, a collection of waterfront shops and dining areas with a local flair.
The newest feature to the development is an open top Double Decker bus like those in London, England to shuttle in tourists from the Cable Beach hotels.
On Thursday, Garth Buckner, president of the Sandy Port Development, met with members of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union who will be providing free shuttle service at the development site.
The shuttle service, which will begin on Monday, will run hourly between the Olde Towne and Breezes from 10am to 10pm.
The majority of shoppers and visitors, Mr. Buckner said are expected to come from the Cable Beach area, along with persons who live in nearby communities.
“When we are in full swing, we expect about 2,000 people a day, which would be about 50/50 locals and tourists,” he said.
The Double Decker bus, which is the first for New Providence according to members of the Taxi Cab Union, can seat up to 75 passengers with an additional space for 25 people to stand.
President of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union Leon Griffin said that the union is very excited about the addition to the taxicab service to better serve tourists and Bahamians.
“This opens a whole new market for our union members and we look forward to a fruitful relationship with the Sandy Port Development Company,” he said. “The bus will indeed be a unique feature in our fleet, creating employment and awareness.”
οΎ The Olde Town, located at the heart of the luxury Sandy Port Marina Village, entails a mall which opened earlier this month providing many shops and restaurants.
So far, there are seven shops and other facilities opened in the mall including, the Cozy Corner Pub, The Miracles Day Spa and Beauty Salon, Floral Bouquet, Mrs. B’s Candle Factory, Fantasy Boutique, The Home Store, a Walk in Clinic at Sandy Port and the Mount Horeb Baptist Church.
Chairman of the Sandy Port Development Company Hugh Buckner said that the Olde Town Mall greatly enhances the product offered to guests on the Cable Beach Strip.
He said he believes that the mall will become the major feature in the west.
“We cannot think of a better affiliate than the Bahamas Taxi Union in the transportation of our Olde Towne visitors and we look forward to a successful relationship,” Mr. Buckner said.
One of the newest merchants at Olde Towne, Max McClure, said the location is ideal for shopping and relaxation.
“The Sandy Port Development Company has a lot of very good ideas and a lot of extremely good high standards and they do work along with business people,” Mr. McClure said. “If you are down here and you have a good business idea they will work with you as long as you are honest and have a heart and willing to give it your all.”
The second expansion phase of Olde Town is due for completion in the second quarter of next year, bringing on stream another 30 stores.
By Yvette Rolle-Major, The Bahama Journal
